Growing your own barley

[Andy Hamilton]

I'm thinking of growing my own barley this season, then malting it and turning it into beer! Anyone grown barley, finding it even difficult to find seed that isn't just for farmers.

[doofaloofa]

I grow whole barley as a green manure. i just sow the fodder grain

Are you mechanised?

[Andy Hamilton]

I assume you mean do I have a seed merchant? Nope, I don't. I have just read though that the barley you buy as sprouting grain is UK two row barley and at £7 for 5kg that's more than enough. So, I'm thinking that'll do!

[GeorgeSalt]

I have a suspicion that the new book will be waiting on the results, so that you can complete the final chapter.. .. .. ;)

[Andy Hamilton]

Perhaps there will be a mention of barley growing ;)

[GeorgeSalt]

Just remember when it comes to harvest that barley was known in the feed industry and itchy-and-scratchy.. ..

[doofaloofa]

I assume you mean do I have a seed merchant? Nope, I don't. I have just read though that the barley you buy as sprouting grain is UK two row barley and at £7 for 5kg that's more than enough. So, I'm thinking that'll do!

No I mean are you using machinery to set, harvest and process the grain

I did a half acre of cereals by hand once and it was extreemly labour intensive

In the end I didn't bother threshing at all and just used it as food/bedding for the hens

The sheaths looked cool in the field though

[The Riff-Raff Element]

I have a feeling that only certain strains of barley are good for malting & beer making. Specifically, the lower protein types 'cos proteins make a hazy beer. Does your seed supplier mention anything?

[gregorach]

Well, your classic 2-row malting barleys are Maris Otter, Golden Promise, and Pearl... Fodder varieties are much less suitable, because of the high protein content. And yeah, the processing is a bit intimidating, so say the least... You gonna build your own malting floor?